JONESBORO – New restaurants provide employment opportunities for job seekers however, many current restaurant employees are bracing for a negative impact often caused when new businesses within the same industry come to town.
JONESBORO – Brides-to-be searching for the perfect bouquet can expect a different take on wedding bouquets from Bearded Bouquet owner Zach Jones.
By Crystal Carter Harrell
Delta Digital News Service
JONESBORO – The Downtown Little Rock Partnership held its 9th annual Main Street Food Truck Festival on Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The DLRP and the Main Street Revitalization Committee started the event to help bring people back to Main Street. A record number of 86 food trucks registered for the free event. Twenty-five artists and marketplace vendors provided shopping and fun activities for festival goers.
Kimberly Bratton said she has been looking forward to the Food Truck Festival for weeks. Bratton’s home-based bakery features temperature-sensitive treats which provide options for vegan and diabetic clientele.
“I started baking when I was 9 and fell in love with it. I went to culinary school. After getting out, I said that is what I’m going to do. Once I get a food truck, I plan on expanding,” Bratton said.
Chicago native Melanie Jackson and her family attended the festival.
“We were here last year. My favorite food is tacos, but I think I’m going to get a stuffed turkey leg with chicken and dressing. Mac and cheese sounds good too,” Jackson said.
Vinnie Osmun of Kansas City, Missouri, ordered from a Cajun food truck while visiting his brother, Cody.
“We were like, ‘Let’s check it out’. Gumbo is a staple in Cajun cooking. Good gumbo really defines a restaurant. We also got some chicken and shrimp alfredo,” Osmun said.
Registered food trucks included: A Little Crepesy, Adobo To Go, Banana Leaf, Beaver Tails, Blue Sage Vegan, Bragg’s Big Bites, Bryant’s BBQ, Cheesecake On Point, Comida Rapida Mr. Casas, Cousins Maine Lobster, Crepe Coop, Delta Biscuit Co., Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream, Down Home Blues BBQ, Eat At Eric’s Grill & Catering, Eat My Catfish, El Sur Street Food Co., Flossie’s Funnel Cakes Inc., Food Hut, Fresh Gulf Shrimp and more.
Music lovers enjoyed 55 hours of entertainment. Artists performed song covers from old school Michael Jackson to modern day Taylor Swift. DLRP supplied a watering hole for pets and a rock-climbing wall for kids to enjoy.
The deck at Scott and 6th streets granted free parking all day.
Editor’s Note: Feature photo shows attendees of the 9th annual Main Street Food Truck Festival in Little Rock. Photo by Crystal Carter
By Brooke Buckner
Delta Digital News Service
JONESBORO — Phone companies are creating what they call waterproof phones, but not all of them are necessarily waterproof.
The difference between waterproof smartphones and water-resistant smartphones is that water is incapable of getting inside a waterproof phone, however, a water-resistant phone may get water inside of it.
Sprint employee Ken Daley said they sell more water-resistant phones than non-water-resistant phones and he would rather splurge and buy a water-resistant phone instead of buying an ordinary one and getting a water-proof case for it.
“I would say the Samsung Note 9 is the best when it comes to water-resistant phones,” said Daley.
If you are looking to buy a waterproof phone case, he said Lifeproof is the only fully waterproof one. When it comes to waterproof cases, he said they sell the most of Insipio and Otterbox brands.
Stevie Ivy at T-Mobile said, “The resistance for iPhone and Samsung is 6 feet for 30 minutes,” which is pretty good, but he still doesn’t recommend that people take their phones in the shower.
Ivy said there is a big price difference between water-resistant phones and ordinary phones and he would be willing to pay more money to have a water-resistant phone rather than buying a non-water-resistant phone and getting a fancy phone case for it.
T-Mobile has a selection of phone cases to pick from and Ivy said, “We sell most of Otterbox cases.”
Bishal Verma from Neha Wireless gave a few tips on how to try to fix a phone with water damage. He said don’t try to charge it and to try and dry it as much as possible.
“The best water absorber is rice,” said Verma.
Verma said most of the time his company sells iPhones and that Samsung is better than iPhone in regards to being waterproof.
Neha Wireless sells a variety of phone cases as well.
By Yu Bai
Delta Digital News Service
JONESBORO — In downtown Jonesboro, The Mutiny Tattoo Co. provides great service to a variety of tattoo lovers.
The Mutiny Tattoo Co. is more than just a tattoo design shop for tattoo lovers, but a destiny for people to experience the culture of tattooing and understand the colorful body modification process.
Andrew Null, the proprietor of The Mutiny Tattoo Co., and a professional tattooist, brought his art to Jonesboro a few years ago. Null does not like ordinary and boring work, but hopes he can create a colorful work of art and enthusiastic style of delivery for his clientele.
“Since I started knowing something about tattoos, I fell in love with the art. I enjoy doing special things in my life, and tattoo makes me brave and outgoing,” Null said.
The history of tattoos can be traced back 1,000 years. Having first originated from ancient Asian cultures, Null said that it was a symbol of criminals. With social progress, “it became a specific popular culture among people,” he said. To better master his tattoo skills, Null learned a lot about tattoo culture from various regions and customs. He combined his unique insights into tattoos with his artistic creations.
“Null is an outstanding tattoo artist, he can always understand the preferences of costumes and design the unique tattoo for me,” said Kristen Robinson, a client who frequents the shop.
“New School” is the most popular American tattoo style. It perpetuates the cartoon, beauty and seafarer life elements based on the old style. The color aspect distinguishes the old-style tattoo from the large-scale solid color flat and the tangential line without any rhythm change. Aside from the New School style, The Mutiny Tattoo Co. provides a variety of patterns for customers to choose. For example, realistic style, portrait style and Ukiyo-e, a well-known Japanese art style, are some of the many choices customers have to choose from.
People get tattoos for many different reasons, however each is a form of self expression.
“Tattoo is an art to encourage people to express themselves and release their emotions, it is a new way to show yourself to others,” said a fellow tattooist and employee, Troy Levon.
by Yu Bai
Delta Digital News Service
JONESBORO – Back Beat Music provides chances for people to make their music dreams come true.
Open in Jonesboro since 2015, Back Beat Music not only sells instruments but also provides a place for people who are interested in music to share their feelings.
“Music is creative. I enjoy music because it is no rules, like painting,” owner Darrell Sykes said.
Customers can take lessons for different kinds of instruments such as guitar, piano and ukulele. Lessons teach everyone from beginner to the professional. Teachers are not just instructing students simply how to strum and play by ear; they are teaching students how to understand music and music theory.
“I have been learning guitar about five months, and I feel relaxed and enjoyable when I play it. I spend 30 minutes practicing the guitar every day,” said Jett Bradsher, a student taking guitar lessons.
Local musicians are preparing for the music festivals during the summer months.
“Even though we do not play professionally on the music festival, we just go to attend and enjoy. We hope more people come to join us, and let more people hear our bands,” assistant Greg Arnold said.
Back Beat Music continues to adjust music lessons schedule and introduce more varieties of instruments.
By Brooke Buckner
Delta Digital News Service
Danielle Trent displays the Husqvarna robotic lawnmower at Lowes. (Photo by Brooke Buckner)
JONESBORO — Robotic lawnmowers are the new trend in outdoor hardware when it comes to yardwork because it requires very little effort to cut grass. Since they are electric, they’re quiet and have low maintenance.
Home Depot in Jonesboro sells a few different brands and styles, with cutting sizes ranging from 7 inches to 11 inches.
David Blankenship at Home Depot said, “Anything battery-powered is becoming a trend.”
Ryobi and Ego make the best-selling brands due to their convenience and quietness. Currently, these robotic lawnmowers can only be purchased online.
Tractor Supply Co. sells a handful of robotic lawnmowers at its store, including McGulloch, Robomow and Worx brands. It also sells robotic lawnmowers online.
Craig Swanner from Tractor Supply Co. in Jonesboro said, “Half acre is the biggest one we have on our website.”
Swanner said Husqvarna is the most popular robotic lawnmower. The Robomow RS622 cuts grass down to an inch and uses boundary wires that must be set up by a professional.
Lowes in Jonesboro displayed the Husqvarna lawnmower, which mows half an acre of land. It features a timer and even works in the rain, but doesn’t handle tall grass well. Danielle Trent at Lowes said the boundary wiring is “similar to a dog fence.”
Trent said she would rather invest her money in an electric lawnmower because of the convenience factor.
by Colby Sigears
Delta Digital News Service
Old Pine provides an Arkansas product to local businesses.
JONESBORO — Old Pine Coffee Roasters provides Jonesboro residents with the freshest coffee possible.
Ann Williams, a local worker at The Edge coffee shop, said Old Pine is a popular product in their store.
“We have been working with Old Pine for little over a year, and it sells very well. Our customers love it,” she said.
Old Pine does not have a storefront, i.e. the majority of its business is online. But it partners with local coffee shops such as The Recovery Room. Clay Crume, a server and bartender at the Recovery Room, said they have been partnered for nearly a year this summer.
“We help get the business out with including it in our store. Our customers like its taste,” Crume said.
Old Pine takes pride in making coffee with love. It provides customers with the best they can offer by their specialties or time and effort.
“Their dark roast is a favorite here at The Edge,” Williams said. “It has a distinct flavor.”
The consistency of the coffee roast makes it a popular pick for most people.
“I like it better than the other coffees I have drunk,” Crume said. “The taste is different, not bitter like the rest; it is smoother.”
Old Pine is gradually growing business in the Jonesboro area and even provides a coffee trailer for local events.
by Melissa Palumbo
Delta Digital News Service
JONESBORO — Recruiting T-shirts led to a change in procedures at Arkansas State.
An Oct. 11, 2018 complaint to A-State Internal Audit concerned a large order of T-shirts placed by the Office of Recruitment.
An administrative specialist entered the requisition for the shirts to Procurement Services in July. The order, consisting of 4,000 grey “visit” T-shirts for $8,800 and 1,800 red “Pack Preview” T-shirts for $26,700, totaled over $35,000. The order was miscoded as being under $20,000.
The shirts were nonrefundable due to the different patterns and colors applied.
University regulations and Arkansas law require orders above $20,000 to be bid out to vendors in the community and to receive at least three competitive bids. However, the university only obtained one bid from Running Threads, a vendor that previously worked with the university.
Initially, contact was made with both unlicensed and out-of-state vendors, which goes against university regulations.
Special Events Coordinator Teresa Dunton, a member of recruitment, had no comment.
The purpose for bids from at least three local vendors for larger orders is to allow Jonesboro businesses the opportunity to work with the university, make money and get recognition if they do good work. Choosing to only allow one, previously commissioned vendor obtain the bid took away the chance for local businesses to grow.
The vendor asked Procurement Services if the order should be split into two separate orders. This did not meet regulations as all 5,800 T-shirts were ordered at the same time for the same purpose.
Procurement Services replied, “Two separate invoices please.”
Running Threads received about $9,000 as part of the payment for the approved T-shirts before the order was caught.
The orders were approved by Dunton and Polly Marshall, director of Admissions and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment. Katie Davis, the purchasing technician for requisition and budget, stamped the orders as approved at 2:48 p.m. on Sept. 12. Davis had no comment on the approval.
Even though the orders were separated, the order containing the red “Pack Preview” T-shirts exceeded the $20,000 limit and should not have been approved at this level.
The Purchasing Technician for Requisition and Budget incorrectly wrote in red ink that both orders were under $20,000.
Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration Len Frey (photo by Melissa Palumbo)
Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Len Frey said the two levels of approval failed to recognize the error potentially due to employee unfamiliarity with the policies and procedures.
Every year, recruitment orders T-shirts to be distributed during events in the fall and spring semesters. This academic year, more shirts than usual were ordered to give to potential incoming freshmen in the newly finished Welcome Center.
Because of the events that launched this audit, restructuring and other changes have taken place in the Procurement Services.
“We have been working on a number of changes in the procurement area,” Frey said. “As a result of this, there have been corrective actions taking place.”
While training for personnel in the Procurement Services previously stopped, Frey said it should not have been a reason for the mistake to have happened. However, as part of the restructuring, training will be “beefed up” not only for Procurement Services, but also in other departments including Human Resources, Information Technology and security.
At the time of the order being processed, Procurement Director Lola Langley did not report to a higher level in the organization. This caused communication challenges. As a result, the procurement office immediately had Carol Barnhill, director of contract administration and strategic sourcing, begin reporting directly to Frey.
Barnhill identified the mistake that launched the audit in October, after which Frey promoted her to the first Chief Procurement Officer to identify any potential concerns in the future. Barnhill assumed the position after an announcement made Feb. 28. In addition to her responsibilities in the procurement office, she will also oversee Contract Administration and Strategic Sourcing.
Additional changes will be made to the administrative staff and leadership, and the new staff will report directly to Russ Hannah, associate vice chancellor for business and finance.
On March 13, Chancellor Kelly Damphousse announced a new 16-member Strategic Plan Steering Committee. The committee consists of members who have been working in their position for some time, like Hannah and current Provost Lynita Cooksey, as well as newly appointed individuals such as the new Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Bryan Terry.
“Something like this should not happen again,” Frey said. “Something like this should not have happened in the first place.”
By Jessica Ladd
Delta Digital News Service
JONESBORO — More entertainment options are coming to Jonesboro next year.
The Social, a restaurant, lounge and entertainment complex, plans to open its doors by August 2020. The business will be located in Greensborough Village, a 200-acre plot of land under construction along U.S. Highway 49 in Jonesboro at Hilltop. When completed, Greensborough Village will have multiple single-family homes, new stores and a movie theater.
The Social is just one of the businesses to announce an opening in the new development, much to the excitement of Jonesboro residents. Many took to social media, sharing The Social‘s post hundreds of times. Jeffrey Higgins, the owner of The Social, said he hasn’t received any negative feedback.
The Social is expected to open by Aug. 1, 2020 (photo from Facebook)
“It’s been incredible. People are excited,” he said. “It will be unlike any other food or restaurant chain in the region.”
Higgins also owns JTown’s Grill and Munchy’s in Jonesboro. He could see the demand for more adult entertainment. He said he thought of everything Jonesboro needed and put it into one. He drew inspiration from entertainment venues such as the Bass Pro Pyramid in Memphis. He even did research in other markets on similar facilities.
The Social will be over 12,000 square feet. It will have a full-service bar, lounge and top of the line bowling features. Higgins said he’s included all the bells and whistles. The second story will feature ten loft size apartments. There will also be a party deck that can be rented out for meetings or private parties. Higgins also stressed The Social would be a hangout spot or everyone. That includes families. There will be activities to keep children entertained. Higgins said as a father of three, he knows how difficult it can be to find a venue that has something for everyone. According to a Facebook post, Higgins said the main concept revolves around a great family environment, great food, lounge “social” areas and top-notch bowling experience.
President and CEO of Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce Mark Young said Greensborough Village, and its developments, will be a great addition to the city.
“Greensborough Village, when completed, will give Jonesboro residents more local choices for living and entertainment. This development won’t just give people a place to live and play, it will create jobs,” he said.
He also said it is important for people to spend their money locally. This builds Jonesboro’s economy. Young predicts with the completion of this project the Hilltop area will grow and expand as well.
Many A-State students have expressed their desire for more entertainment in Jonesboro. Jonesboro citizens are limited on where they can go to relax and enjoy themselves. The Social will bring another bowling option to the city. Rachel Flippen, a student at Arkansas State, said she may go to The Social once it opens.
“I think it’s a cool idea. People should enjoy it. I don’t see any reason why they wouldn’t,” she said.
The full service bar and lounge at The Social will offer college students a safe place to hang out and have fun.
Construction on The Social will start in May.
By Chloe Short
Delta Digital News Service
JONESBORO — The Craighead County seat will see changes due to recent economic gains and plans for incoming jobs.
Sales tax revenues for Jonesboro have started strong in 2019 and could potentially pass the record-breaking 2018 totals. The increase in money means many new proposals for the city and the continuation of projects and population inflation. It also opens conversation for further development of the city.
“What we can see is that people spent money in 2019 in the city of Jonesboro, which is always a good thing,” said Craig Rickert, the director of communications for Jonesboro Unlimited, a company that works to bring new businesses to the Jonesboro area. “People are shopping, they’re going to restaurants … they’re buying cars and that money goes to a general fund and helps the city pay for the services for its citizens.”
Mark Young, president and CEO at Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, said these repairs and services would likely not be limited to police and fire protection, parks and recreation and road improvements. One service that is coming to Jonesboro is a new bike trail.
“I think It would benefit the community positively because it would provide more opportunities for people to get out and be active,” said Jordan Nash, a current Jonesboro resident.
Jonesboro Unlimited’s five-year plan focuses on attracting businesses and talent, business expansions, workforce development and community enhancement. Chris Barber, chairman for Jonesboro Unlimited, said they’re targeting jobs and businesses in health care, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and professional services.
“We’re not at liberty to say what businesses are coming due to confidentiality agreements that the companies have signed,” Barber said.
The plan is two years ahead of schedule and the projected outcome is expected to bring 5,153 new jobs.
“Jonesboro is doing very well,” Barber said. “We are seeing a steady community, employment and population increase.”
by Ethan Duvall
Delta Digital News Service
JONESBORO — Abilities Unlimited seems ordinary from the outside, but within lies people dedicated to serving the Jonesboro community including those with disabilities. Their purpose is to give people with disabilities a fulfilling and rewarding life.
The store itself consists of a thrift store where all of the inventory comes from community donations. Anything from household items, décor, appliances and electronics can be found throughout the large floor space of Abilities Unlimited. Abbee Anderson, employee of Abilities Unlimited, helps out by cleaning, running the cash register and putting out inventory.
“It gives people an outlet for donation,” she said.
According to Anderson, donating to Abilities Unlimited is beneficial to the community because people may take unwanted items there and then re-sell those items to other people in the community that may actually need them.
Robert Stogsdill, an Abilities Unlimited employee, sorts through donated books to be put on the shelves. (Photo by Ethan Duvall)
Manager Sandy McQuay comes from a retail background after working in the Dallas Galleria, but also understands how her business helps people with disabilities.
“The purpose of Abilities Unlimited is to improve the living, working and opportunities of persons with disabilities,” she said.
The store provides an outlet for people with disabilities to come and work alongside people different than them. It helps them find work in a safe and productive environment, something former Jonesboro Human Development teaching assistant Odessia Haywood knows quite well.
Haywood strives to make sure people with disabilities have better living, and that starts with being able to work around people that are different than them. Clients that work in the store complete tasks such as keeping bags stocked up front, cleaning and carrying out deliveries.
“I like working with people with disabilities and helping those with special needs,” she said.
Haywood also wants the community to get out and interact with the clients and others with disabilities. It helps with the stores purpose of helping them function within the community.
At first glance, the presence of various items throughout the store would lead one to believe that they were inside another junk store. Abilities Unlimited however is more than that. They exist to promote local contribution to those in need and to create a workable environment for those with special needs.
By JMarie Mitchell
Delta Digital News Service
Across Northeast Arkansas there seems to be a phenomenon that is slowly changing the way people shop.
Labeled as “upscale flea markets or boutiques” these shops are no longer just for the occasional shopper; these markets are becoming essential for consumers, offering them everything from farm fresh eggs and garden produce to handmade items, repurposed furniture and one of a kind art.
Connie Wright, left, shows sisters Marsha Coleman and Nena Johnson a set of vintage dishes. Coleman said the dishes were exact replicas of a set their father had purchased for their mother when they were newlywed.
Connie Wright, owner of The Front Porch Flea Market located in Oak Grove, says when she opened in 2013 she never dreamed how amazing her business would be.
“Six days out of seven I walk through those doors and say, ‘Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with this store,'” she said.
Wright said flea markets of today are more like a mom-and-pop general store offering a little bit of everything.
“You should see our tool area,” she said. “It’s like walking into a hardware store.”
The only difference she notes is that her isles are filled with not only new items but vintage ones too. Customer Kenneth Pullen agrees with her as he pays for a roll of black electrical tape.
“Why fight crowds? You can buy anything here,” he said. “More reasonably priced too.”
It’s like a small-town community gathering — every day, Wright said. The store, which has a farmhouse feel, hosts 25 vendors, most whom have been with Wright since the business opened.
“If they are happy, they will stay as vendors and as customers,” she said.
Trella Moore of Beach Grove said she was a vendor with The Front Porch Flea Market, but only gave up her vendor booth because it became difficult for her to keep it stocked.
“I loved it,” Moore said. “It was relaxing and fun and I made a little extra money. But working full-time in a factory made it difficult to get out and find stuff for it. I ended up giving it up.”
Moore said she has regretted giving it up and now has her name on the flea-market’s vendor waitlist. “Until then, I’ll have to settle for just being a customer and a friend.”
Wright keeps bluegrass music playing in the background and offers free coffee and apple cider to customers: “Coffee’s always hot and cider is always great.” Many times, regulars travel for miles for the fellowship and to enjoy an old-fashioned visit.
Flea markets just offer things you can’t find anywhere else, Wright said. An example of this occurred when two women purchased a set of vintage dishes for their mother. The dishes identically matched a set their dad bought for their mom when they were newlyweds.
“We wanted to do something nice for our mother,” Marsha Coleman said, explaining that their father had recently passed away.
Tonya Wray noted today’s flea markets are becoming more and more of a mini-mall, offering a little bit of everything, including hard-to-find items.
“Something for everyone and usually with a more unique shopping experience than you will find at retail stores,” Wray said.
Wray, who owns The Rocking Rooster in Paragould with her husband Tom, said they decided to open their 5,000-square-foot building in 2016.
“I had a job I hated and a flea market booth I loved,’ she said. “So, I quit my job and took the plunge. Not regretted it.”
Wray said flea markets offer something a little different, going that extra step, personalizing as much as possible.
“I knew I wanted to offer an eclectic mix of home décor, upscale furniture and boutique items,” she said. “I wanted to also bring back that personalized shopper experience.”
To obtain this goal, she markets heavily on Facebook, then holds stuff for clients who see something they like. Wray also keeps a list. The list is items people want her to keep an eye out for and largely consist of trendy, upper scale items and décor.
Wray says more people, old and young seem to be shopping at flea markets. Many are people she would never have considered to be flea-market shoppers.
“I have especially noticed a big growth in the younger clientele,” she said. “They seem to be looking for mid-century items and one-of-a-kind pieces.”
No matter the reasoning behind the growth of these stores, from an economical viewpoint, prices are obviously better and it’s a sustainable market, Wray said. She keeps around 50 booths and does consignments. She says many of her vendors also offer custom items like handmade soaps and embroidery.
Peggy Walker offers both items in her booth. Walker, a high school math teacher, said the booth gives her a place to sell her embroidery and crafts along with her children’s outgrown toys, books and clothes. Walker said she often finds items for her home and family at the flea market.
“Recycle and reuse when possible,” she said.
When some people think of flea markets, they think of stores filled with junk or cheap stuff others don’t want. Because of this, Wray says she wishes she had not put the flea market at the end of her store’s name.
“A lot of my regular customers don’t do flea markets,” she said.
Darla Adlong, owner of the Briar Rose Boutique of Jonesboro, said she purposely didn’t attach flea market to her store’s name.
“I didn’t want to give the impression of a flea market,” she said.
Adlong does have vendor booths, but says her store is best known for art, trendy repurposed items and one-of-a-kind items.
Flea market or not, shopper Gail Pringle of Success said she sees stores like these as treasure troves full of goodies waiting to be discovered. Pringle said she loves looking at everything vintage, especially dishes.
“Love the thought that every piece has its own history,” she said.
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